Advanced intra-spinal decompression implant

ABSTRACT

A new intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced. One example for our presentation is a device with 2 or 3 pieces, with each piece with 2 clamps, symmetrically located on each side of each piece. The main piece has at least 2 screws which engage into 2 or more grooves in the side piece, to get attached to the side piece. The 3 rd  piece, as an optional piece, is the bottom piece, which is similar to the side piece, and gets attached to the main piece, using same or different screws. Each piece is attached to the human body, during back surgery, with corresponding clamps. Other examples are implants that have different plates and assembly arrangements or connectors or sliders or screws or handles, located between the bones and tissue, for back and neck, for various applications or procedures or usages.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a CIP (continuation-in-part) of another application, application Ser. No. 13/902,930, filed 27 May 2013, now allowed, which is a CIP (continuation-in-part) of another application, application Ser. No. 13/565,896, filed Aug. 3, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,575, with same inventor and assignee, and it claims priority to that parent application, and it incorporates all the parent's teachings by reference. The Ser. No. 13/565,896 is in turn a CIP (continuation-in-part) of another application, now the U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,030, filed Oct. 4, 2008, with the same inventor, and it claims priority to that parent application, and it incorporates all the parent's teachings by reference. The current application incorporates all the teachings of the parents by reference, and claims priority to them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An Intra-spinal decompression implant comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. These devices are implanted without fixation to the bone or ligament to preserve physiological spinal motion. These devices are particularly useful for patients who suffer from degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or lateral recess syndrome. Such device has many advantages, including easy installation and therefore capable of decompressing the spinal canal and nerve roots quickly and efficiently.

The Intra-spinal decompression implants available to date in the market require different size of side plates and/or different size of implant body for different spinal levels or different patients. They are also prone to moving from the intended location. The following Website provides a good description of one the available Intra-spinal decompression implants in the market: http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijmist/vol1n1/xstop.xml

This invention provides multiple improved designs and devices for Intra-spinal decompression implants that unlike other decompression implants on the market can be used on multiple spinal levels and different type of patients. The invented devices or systems will reduce surgery time by almost half an hour per spinal level and allows for the procedure to be done on local standby and on an out-patient basis, reducing the risk and cost, which are very beneficial to all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a device with 2 or 3 pieces, with each piece with 2 clamps, symmetrically located on each side of each piece. The main piece has at least 2 screws which engage into 2 or more grooves in the side piece, to get attached to the side piece. The 3^(rd) piece, as an optional piece, is the bottom piece, which is similar to the side piece, and gets attached to the main piece, using same or different screws. Each piece is attached to the human body, during back surgery, with corresponding clamps.

In one embodiment, the materials used for clamps, pieces, and screws can be selected from a variety of composites, plastics, metal, alloy, and the like, which are durable, non-toxic, non-reactionary with the tissues (for allergy or rejection possibility by the body), reasonably priced, and/or easily manufactured. The clamps can be from the same materials as the pieces. The pieces may or may not be from the same materials. The clamps can be molded as one piece as the piece it is attached with.

One embodiment of the present invention is an Intra-spinal decompression implant that comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. The invention (as an example) has a number of new design features, including:

-   -   Lateral and vertical side plate adjustments     -   An implant body capable of dual axis adjustment with a large         cavity for packing of bone graft material, for tissue to fuse         around and inside the device, for better installation (the         cavity can be multiple cavities, in middle, and small ones on         the sides, as one example)     -   The implant body design incorporates a stepped and pointed         conical tipped end, for better installation     -   Conical piercing tipped studs for attachment to the vertebrae     -   The implant design incorporates precision-machined slots and         keys in the implant body and side plates

Other embodiments of the present invention are implants that comprise of different plates and assembly arrangements or connectors or sliders or screws or handles, located between the bones and tissue, for back and neck, for various applications or procedures or usages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the top view of the implant body that incorporates a stepped and pointed conical tipped end.

FIG. 2 illustrates one of the side plate attachments to the implant body, with rear and front parts, in which the length of the front part is adjustable.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the implant body, which shows how the side plate is attached to the implant body as well as the bottom cavity of the implant body.

FIG. 4 shows the stepped and conical ripped end and its cross section.

FIG. 5 shows the dual axis (X and Y) adjustment mechanisms of the implant.

FIG. 6 shows the locking and retaining fasteners for the side plate attachment.

FIG. 7 shows the large bottom cavity of the implant body. This example shows a hexagonal shaped cavity.

FIG. 8 shows the conical-shaped piercing tipped studs on the front and rear side plates

FIG. 9 shows the slot and key mechanism used for dual axis adjustment of the implement.

FIG. 10 shows a symmetric and an asymmetric stepped tipped end of the implant body.

FIG. 11 shows an asymmetric side plate, with different front and rear wings sizes.

FIG. 12 shows the screws and bands that support the structure for one of the embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows the cross section or another view of the structure shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14 a-b show an embodiment of the invention for the side piece (or the bottom piece), for 2 or 3-piece configurations, from 2 different views or perspectives, shown in 14(a) and 14(b).

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention for the main piece (to be connected to the side piece and/or the bottom piece), for 2 or 3-piece configurations, with clamps and screws (or connectors).

FIG. 16 shows the front view of the same structure as shown in Appendices and other figures, but with pins angled at about 45 degrees or 30-60 degrees range or at a tilted angle or at downward angle or looking down or pushing down, from both sides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Intra-spinal decompression implant of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. It is designed for plate attachment to the titanium metal implant and fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place as the spinal processes gradually fuses together while the spine naturally repairs itself. The device is particularly useful for patients who suffer from degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or lateral recess syndrome. The device has many advantages, including easy installation and therefore capable of decompressing the spinal canal and nerve roots quickly and inefficiently. Unlike other decompression implants on the market, the side plates of the device are adjustable in two dimensions (FIG. 5), which allow them to be universally used on multiple spinal levels or different patients. The device will reduce surgery time by almost half an hour per spinal level and allows for the procedure to be done on local standby and on an out-patient basis.

The design includes implant adjustments in width and length to accommodate the patient anatomy. Height adjustment is accomplished by replacement of the implant body to a different diameter (larger or smaller size). The side plates are universal and can be assembled with a variety of sizes. Lateral and vertical adjustment (length and width) is accomplished by means of slots and keys (FIG. 9) that are machined in the side plate and implant body.

Please note that Appendices 1-5, 6-7, and 8-31 show various components, installations, usages, and viewpoints of our system, in different embodiments, for different applications. These are our own teachings for support of our spec and claims.

Design Features

The design incorporates the following features for trouble-free implantation:

-   -   Lateral and vertical side plate adjustment incorporating ¼-½         turn locking and retaining fasteners (FIG. 6) that enables         multiple positioning that accommodate a variable size range of         patient anatomy. The side plates could be quickly adjusted         before or during the surgery, therefore, reducing the operation         time. FIG. 1 shows the slots (103) that are used for lateral         adjustment of the side plates. There are typically 3 adjustment         slots for each of the side plates as shown in FIG. 1 (103). FIG.         2 shows one of the side plates, which has vertical adjustment         via a slot (206) and typically two screws (203).     -   An implant body that is capable of dual axis adjustment with a         large cavity (FIG. 7) for multiple purposes, which include         engaging the insertion handle, packing of bone graft material,         and reducing the weight of the implant as shown in FIG. 3. The         cavity has preferably an octagon or hexagon shape (301). The         implant body may come in different diameter and lengths to         accommodate different patient compositions. It could also be         made of different materials that may include non-corrosive         metals such as Titanium, plastic natural or man-made material.     -   The implant body design incorporates a stepped and pointed         conical tipped end as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 that promotes         easier insertion into the patient (between the spinoud processes         of the vertebrae in the lower back) and prevents excessive         movement of the implant after surgery. The tipped end (102, 304)         may be asymmetric for easier insertion.     -   Conical piercing tipped studs (FIG. 8) on side plates for         attachment to the vertebrae and therefore reducing the chance of         the implant moving from its preferred spot shown in FIG. 2 (204,         205). Preferably two tipped studs are placed in the front (204)         and two on the rear (205) of each side plate.     -   The implant design incorporates precision-machined slots and         keys (103, 302, and 303) in the implant body and side plates to         obtain a smooth running and sliding fit that prevent binding and         allow for quick and easy adjustments in both lateral and         vertical directions to accommodate a variety of patient         compositions. The precision-machined slots allow for speedy and         symmetrical installation of side plates, and therefore, reducing         the operation time.

In one embodiment, the shape of the implant in 2 directions have 2 different cross-sections, one much larger, being asymmetric, making it ideal for locking and proper installation, for example, after rotation of the assembly by 90 degree, making sure that the device cannot be slide out (out of its intended position), for example, being locked at that direction, for proper and long-lasting installation in the body.

In one embodiment, the plates can be adjusted for multiple levels for vertebral body.

In another embodiment, the size is adjustable for different size patients, making it cheaper to manufacture, and easier to install, because it does not have to be custom-made much before the surgery, for each individual separately, based on his/her size and body structure.

In one embodiment, the side plates are asymmetrical and the front and rear end of the side plates have different size (FIG. 11).

More details are shown in the following figures: FIG. 12 shows the screws and bands that support the structure for one of the embodiments. FIG. 13 shows the cross section or another view of the structure shown in FIG. 12.

Note that easy installation means faster surgery, which means better survival rate after surgery.

Single Level Intra-Spinal Fusion:

The single level intra-spinal fusion is based on our multi-level intra-spinal fusion instrument. Like the multi-level fusion device, the single level consists of:

1. A sharp tip for easy insertion.

2. A rotational capability to help increase the space between the spinal process, e.g. between 2-5 mm.

3. A hollow canal to allow for increased and robust fusion in the spinal process.

In addition to allowing for successful execution of a single level intra-spinal fusion, this device can also be used for a facet fusion, specifically for patients with grade I and grade II spondyloisthesis. The device includes metal attachments that can be secured, via metal screws, from the fusion device itself, to the facet joint, permitting for successful facet fusion. See FIGS. 12-13 for details, in addition to appendices for more pictures and drawings. FIG. 12 shows the structure with metal (or other materials) bands (or arrays or series of bands) or stripes attached (slightly bended or curved for most configurations), holding or attaching or supporting the components, using two screws at the 2 ends (or similar attachment mechanisms).

Another Embodiment 2-Piece or 3-Piece Configurations

One embodiment of the present invention is a device with 2 or 3 pieces, with each piece with 2 clamps, symmetrically located on each side of each piece. The main piece has at least 2 screws which engage into 2 or more grooves in the side piece, to get attached to the side piece. The 3^(rd) piece, as an optional piece, is the bottom piece, which is similar to the side piece, and gets attached to the main piece, using same or different screws. Each piece is attached to the human body, during back surgery, with corresponding clamps.

In one embodiment, the materials used for clamps, pieces, and screws can be selected from a variety of composites, plastics, metal, alloy, and the like, which are durable, non-toxic, non-reactionary with the tissues (for allergy or rejection possibility by the body), reasonably priced, and/or easily manufactured. The clamps can be from the same materials as the pieces. The pieces may or may not be from the same materials. The clamps can be molded as one piece as the piece it is attached with.

In one embodiment, the configuration works with 2 pieces: the main piece and the side piece. In one embodiment, the configuration works with 3 pieces: the main piece, the side piece, and the bottom piece, which is more attached to the human body (with more number of clamps, at different positions).

FIGS. 14 a-b show an embodiment of the invention for the side piece (or the bottom piece), for 2 or 3-piece configurations, from 2 different views or perspectives, shown in 14(a) and 14(b). The components are: left clamp top finger (1401), left clamp bottom finger (1411), right clamp top finger (1402), right clamp bottom finger (1412), vertical plate front side (1403), horizontal plate front side (1404), left groove (1405), right groove (1406), bend line (1407), left clamp side (1421), right clamp side (1422), vertical plate back side (1413), and horizontal plate back side (1414).

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention for the main piece (to be connected to the side piece and/or the bottom piece), for 2 or 3-piece configurations, with clamps and screws (or connectors). The components are: left clamp left finger (1501), left clamp side (1521), left clamp right finger (1511), right clamp left finger (1512), right clamp side (1522), right clamp right finger (1502), bend line (separating plates 1513 and 1514), curved section (1508) to accommodate the body/bones/back, horizontal plate (1513) top side, vertical plate (1514) top side, left screw (1505), right screw (1506), left screw hole or position (1515), and right screw hole or position (1516).

Binders 1 and 2 (for 2 plus 6 figures, or for a total of 8 figures) describe or show the various examples and perspectives (pictures) of prototypes of this embodiment, from different angles, with 2-piece configuration (or optional 3-piece configuration), after surgery on the back, with respect to the back/bones, for humans.

In one embodiment, we have the side piece (FIG. 14) attached to the superior lamina (human back), using the 2 clamps (1401 and 1402), as shown in figures in Binders 1-2, and the main piece (FIG. 15) attached to facet joint (human back), using the 2 clamps (1501 and 1502), as shown in figures in Binders 1-2, for the 2-piece combination or configuration.

In one embodiment, we have the side piece (FIG. 14) attached to the superior lamina (human back), using the 2 clamps (1401 and 1402), as shown in figures in Binders 1-2, and the main piece (FIG. 15) attached to facet joint (human back), using the 2 clamps (1501 and 1502), as shown in figures in Binders 1-2, and the bottom piece (similar to FIG. 14) attached to the inferior lamina (human back), using the 2 clamps (similar to 1401 and 1402), for the 3-piece (optional) combination or configuration.

In one embodiment, we have the side piece sliding into the main piece, through the grooves 1406 and 1405, and secured with the screws 1505 and 1506. In one embodiment, we have the bottom piece sliding into the main piece, through the grooves similar to those of another 1406 and 1405, and secured with the screws 1505 and 1506, in addition to the above side piece, so that it attaches more to the body/back/human tissue.

This way, we can adjust on spot on different sizes of humans during surgery, not wasting time or resources or backup devices during or for surgery, which saves lives and money, as we can distract/open up the distances or gaps for different people or sizes, for the sliding part of the device above, as described in this embodiment, for 2-piece or a-piece versions of the embodiment. The various versions of the arrangements and views of the devices on prototype models are shown in Binders 1-2, as Appendix/attached to this current disclosure.

The attachments with screws, holes, slots, and pins make the size adjustable for different patients and sizes. (This device or system can also be used for any animal for back surgery, for the same problem.)

Other embodiments of the present invention are implants that comprise of different plates and assembly arrangements or connectors or sliders or screws or handles, located between the bones and tissue, for back and neck, for various applications or procedures or usages, as shown in various figures and appendices or binders.

Appendices 32-34 show the changes made on our prior invention in parent cases. Appendices 35-36 show the variations of the changes, with pins angled at about 45 degrees or 30-60 degrees range or at a tilted angle or at downward angle or looking down or pushing down, from both sides, which is also captured in FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 shows the front view of the same structure as shown in Appendices and other figures, but with pins angled at about 45 degrees or 30-60 degrees range or at a tilted angle or at downward angle or looking down or pushing down, from both sides. See the Appendices for more details.

Appendix 37 shows the applier device to put the screws in the structure, for holding screws for better control and better surgery, with 2 handles, and a hinge (similar to a pair of scissors), with a screw on top to adjust the gap, and adjust the size of the grab distance during screw holding and placement for surgery.

Appendices 38-39 show the cage, for surgery for replacement. Appendices 40-46 show the structure, plus screw with jacket, plus the legs that open up at the end of screw for better grip and friction, for stability. Appendix 47 shows the holes with screws going on opposite directions. Appendix 48 shows the structure with 2 screws going on opposite directions, e.g. for the neck. Appendix 49 shows an example of the structure with jagged sides or tilted teeth. Appendix 50 shows an example of the structure in place.

Appendices 51-56 show structure, plus screw with jacket, plus the legs that open up at the end of screw for better grip and friction, for stability. Appendices 57-58 show examples of the structure, to be combined with other teachings above.

So, for the current application, as shown above, we have introduced multiple new inventions:

-   -   1—Tilted pins for better grip and friction     -   2—Applier device for better screw handling and placement     -   3—A new cage, e.g., for neck, with multiple screws in opposite         directions, with legs that open up for better grip.

In one embodiment, for the cage, we have advanced stand alone cage or ASA (or intervertebral body fusion device or IBF). It is a radiolucent intervertebral body fusion device and unicortical cancellous bone anchors, and it is for IBF cage without supplementary fixation. The cross section profile of the ASA cage is similar to that of vertebral body endplate with a central cavity that can be packed with autograft. It is for levels e.g. C2 to T1 for degenerative disc disease. It is used e.g. for one level.

Any material, such as plastic, titanium, alloy, metal, elastic, human tissue, animal tissue, cultured material, plant-based, oil-based, petrochemical, cotton, fabric, any byproducts, magnetic, non-magnetic, alloyed, plated, implanted, mix, powder, combination, mixture, and similar types, can be used.

The attachments can be done by screws, holes, slots, pins, ribbon, string, chain, cable, rings, human tissue, engineered tissue, glue, pressured material, Velcro-type, micro-sized devices, nano-fabricated material and devices, using only surface adhesion, using micro-property of materials, welded joints, hinges, locks, engagements devices, keys, and similar types.

Any variations of the above are also meant to be covered by the current patent application. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for decompressing spinal neuro elements, said apparatus comprising: an implant body, wherein said implant body has an asymmetric cross section; said implant body comprises two parallel flat sides and two curved sides, wherein minimum distance between said two parallel flat sides is smaller than minimum distance between said two curved sides; said implant body comprises a base with a hexagonal cavity; said implant body comprises a tip with a stepped and pointed conical shape; and said implant body comprises one or more grooves on said flat sides for passage of ligament; two side plates, wherein said two side plates are positioned in parallel on one of the flat sides of said implant body, wherein minimum distance between said two side plates is adjustable, wherein each of said two side plates comprises one or more slots for adjusting position of said two side plates with respect to said implant body; length of each of said side plates is adjustable; each of said two side plates comprises one or more conical piercing tipped studs for attachment to human body or tissue; wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle with respect to each of said two side plates.
 2. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said implant body and said two side plates are made from metal, alloy, plastic, elastic, natural, titanium or man-made material.
 3. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said apparatus has a rough surface or small extensions for better friction, adhesion, and incorporation to said human body or tissue.
 4. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are one conical piercing tipped stud on each side.
 5. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are two conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 6. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are four conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 7. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are five conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 8. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are six conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 9. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs comprises one row of conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 10. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs comprises two rows of conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 11. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs comprises staggered rows of conical piercing tipped studs on each side.
 12. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to each of said two side plates.
 13. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to each of said two side plates.
 14. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to each of said two side plates.
 15. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees with respect to each of said two side plates.
 16. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are tilted downward at an angle of 80 to 85 degrees with respect to each of said two side plates.
 17. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs have jagged edges.
 18. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs have small teeth.
 19. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs have rough surfaces.
 20. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said one or more conical piercing tipped studs are curved or twisted. 